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Our ocean is changing – and many coastal economies are almost entirely dependent on wild fisheries.
But there is hope - fishing families are known for ingenuity, stewardship, and fierce independence. That’s why we knew that working with our own fishing communities to cultivate kelp is the best way to #kelptheearth. Together we are helping to diversify coastal incomes, reduce ocean acidification, and, by working alongside our neighbors, grow, harvest, and share delicious, sustainable, and mineral-rich sea greens with the world.
We identify, and work with, working waterfront communities to help them start their own kelp farms. We provide technical assistance to help these farmers get farm leases, set up their gear, learn how to seed and harvest, and support their business planning. We also provide free seeds to all of our farmers. These people are the soul of our business and we are proud to introduce you to them.
Are you a fisherman looking to diversify into kelp farming?
Contact us here.
Karen is known throughout her remote island community of North Haven for her dedication to outdoor fitness. She tried kelp for the first time after her dear friend switched to a macrobiotic diet to fight breast cancer, and, realizing its health benefits, tastiness, and abundance around her, she had to try her hand at growing it.
Greg’s career on the water is the product of his own determination, hard work, and time in the Maine Lobster Apprenticeship Program. Today Greg is a lobster fisherman out of Stockton Springs, and you can often find his son alongside learning the ropes.
As a junior in high school, Elijah started in the spirit of Maine entrepreneurship early, founding his own sea farm and fishing business, Mainely Kelp.
Justin loves every minute on the water, even the ones spent in sub-zero temperatures. While some Maine fishermen fish primarily from April-November, Justin fishes year-round by going offshore in the winter - proving that he is hardy enough for the sub-zero kelpin’ weather.
Alex and Jodi are turning sea farming into a family business. Alex has been a commercial fisherman since he was a kid, but after a moratorium was placed on the shrimp fishery due to warming waters, Jodi wrote the pair a business plan for kelp farming, which they have followed to a T.
Keith comes from a long line of commercial fishermen, and his son and two grandchildren are working to carry on the tradition. Keith hopes "kelpin'" will continue his family’s tradition of making a living from the sea.
As the co-owner of Bangs Island Mussels, a hand-raised Maine mussel company, Matt is a seasoned sea farmer. Matt and his father diversified their sea farms and started growing seaweed alongside their mussels, creating an entire ecosystem of farmed crops which are all healthier - and tastier - as a result.
Nate grew up living and breathing the sea. While many in his family lobster, Nate opted for a different path on the ocean and works for a local company that develops sustainable ocean-based renewable energy solutions. With commercial fishing in his blood Nate spends much of the summer out fishing for tuna.
Zach, Blake, and Sean grew up together in Freeport, a small harbor north of Portland. These three friends - a commercial diver, a carpenter and sailboat captain, and a local business person - recognized the opportunity in growing kelp and apply each of their skill sets to the job.
Bob is a lifelong fisherman and a leader in the effort to preserve the sustainability of the lobster industry and working waterfront. He recognizes that diversifying into kelp farming is not only a great way to make a living year round, but also to pave the way for future Mainers to continue to work on the water.
Scott has fished for groundfish and lobster for years - and comes from a fishing family, and he and Sheena are passing the tradition on to their children. Scott is excited about growing kelp and diversifying his income as wild fisheries become more tenuous.
Steve has always been a leader in the fishing community and still looks forward to every day on the water. Commercial fishing for his entire professional life, Steve now sees opportunity in kelp aquaculture.
Josh is always looking for new ways to spend time on the water. He's been a commercial fisherman for over 20 years, and owns and operates Islesboro Marine with his wife Shey. In 2016 they began Marshall Cove Mussels, a sea farm in Penobscot Bay and are excited to add kelp to the farm.
Greg fishes for lobster and pogies out of the close-knit harbor town of Port Clyde, Maine. Greg loves his community, and hopes to grow opportunities for his four young kids to remain close to home with kelp farming.
Stewart grew up on the coast of Maine and put himself through college diving for scallops. As the owner of Casco Bay Mooring, Stewart knows how to keep things attached to the ocean floor, which is half the battle when it comes to kelp farming. Adding seaweed to his business was a natural fit.
Brian started lobstering at age 7, and since has also fished and dived for scalloped, urchins, shrimp, pogies and thinks kelp would be another opportunity to continue his connection to the sea.
Mike has 30 years of experience on the ocean as a commercial fisherman. Mike believes kelp is a sustainable addition to his marine business and his contribution to making a healthier, more resilient future for his 6 young grandchildren and family.
Richard started lobstering when he was 12 years old and has worked side by side on both partner farmer Mike & Keith's boats throughout the years. Richard knows kelp farming is his way to stay on the water long term and for future seasons to come.
